I can remember a moment that I looked forward to. The time I would take a the Drivers License Test and have the ability to go places on my own. It came on July 15, 1971. And Now it seems I have always driving.
I can remember back to High School thinking there would be a moment when I would graduate, and I would become an adult. That moment came and went, and I guess most of me has grown up into an adult, but even at age 58 I still feel like a kid on the inside sometimes.
I remember too when Kathy and I planned for our wedding. And yes, the moment came and we stood with Dr. Nelson Price at Roswell St. Baptist altar and said "I Do." So we have been for 39 years. The moment came that I was forever a married man.
Many other moments I have longed for in my life. My first child. My Twins. The adoption of my baby girl. Then more recently the birth of my grand babies. These are special times and in so many ways life changing moments.
There are the moments when I have heard bad news too. But they seem so much smaller. News of the passing of all of our grandparents has come. Spaced over nearly 30 years of time, four of mine, and four of Kathy's grandparents have left us for the glory of the Lord. I believe they are all there. But remarkably, neither of us has lost a parent. I know these are some sad moments to come. I will not look forward to this, but I will not be foolish enought to deny that they will be moments I must face.
I remember the desire I had to finish my doctorate and walk across the stage for the last time with a cap and gown. This moment too has come and gone. The desire to set foot on African soil to do the work of the Lord. Seven times God has allowed me to journey to Africa.
I have written in this moment of these desires which are real and mentioned some moments that are going to come eventually as I know the realities of life. One more moment to be mentioned is the time I will close my eyes here on this earth for the last time. Is it morbid to think about? I think not. I do long to see the Lord God in His glory. The one who is the reason I have life. The one who has given me all things I know and have experienced in life. He is worthy of praise.
I know without any doubt that day will come. Do I fear it? No. I have said before, "I do not want it to hurt," but all too soon this moment will be a reality. But then, what a blessed thought, time will matter no more.
As I am thinking on the future this week in my sermon preparation these thoughts of the past have all run through my mind, and the reality of the future that is comforting. The moment when I see Jesus, face to face, it is coming. Crossing the dark chilly waters of death does not need to be feared. The moment of seeing God will be the greatest of all moments.
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